Welcome to Island Spirit’s website. If you continue to browse and use this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Island Spirit’s relationship with you in relation to this website.

The term ‘Island Spirit’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose office is at 4 Beau Street, Bath, UK, BA1 1QY. Company No. 07905524. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

Our trademark number is: UK00003335983.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.

Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.

This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

All trade marks reproduced in this website which are not the property of, or licensed to, the operator are acknowledged on the website.

Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.

From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).

You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without Island Spirit’s prior written consent.

Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Scotland and Wales.

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:

you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only

you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material

You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how Island Spirit uses and protects any information that you give Island Spirit when you use this website.

Island Spirit is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

What we collect

Island Spirit may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 13th December 2012.

When helping you with your travel research we may ask you to provide some information including:

contact information (for example your email address)

your name

your needs and requirements for your adventure travel holiday

In addition you may decide to save details of the trips you are interested in. You can do this without providing any of the information above.

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

To identify the trips or operators that are most relevant to your needs

To contact you in response your questions or stated needs

To, only with your permission, put you in touch with Adventure Travel operators who we believe can meet your needs

Internal record keeping.

We may use the information to improve our products and services.

We may, only with your permission, periodically send you details of trips, destinations, activities or operators that we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.

From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

We will not share your information with any third party, unless you have given us permission to do so.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system. Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to Island Spirit Limited, 28 Brock Street, Bath, UK, BA1 2LN.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Kirsty Barnby

Founder and Director

Updated Oct 2018

Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our disclaimer and privacy policy.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Island Spirit Ltd and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Prices quoted are for guidance only, and sometimes converted at current estimated exchange rates, which are subject to change. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Island Spirit Ltd. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Island Spirit Ltd takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

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Weather

The main draw of Vanuatu is the subtropical climate, crystal clear blue skies, and endless sunshine.

Weather

The main draw of Vanuatu is the subtropical climate, crystal clear blue skies, and endless sunshine. The temperature is also quite mild and therefore enjoyable all year around.

When to travel

Best travel months

Winter occurs from April to September but even then temperatures are around 23 degrees. The water is also quite warm all year round varying between 22 and 28 degrees.

On the other hand…

It is much quieter during the summer which falls between November and March when the average temperature is around 28 degrees. The summer is hot and humid but this is placated by a cool sea breeze but is also part of the tropical cyclone season and the South is less prone to these extreme weather events.

The wet season is between December and April but average rain fall is only between 2-4m annually. This is when there is increased humidity.

Travel Advice

Vanuatu lies within the Pacific ‘ring of fire’ and regularly experiences volcanic activity

Volcanic Activity

Vanuatu lies within the Pacific ‘ring of fire’ and regularly experiences volcanic activity and Ambrym and Tanna are often under level 2 alert. Because of this some flights are occasionally cancelled.

Embassies

There are only four embassies in Vanuatu which are the Australian, Chinese, French, and New Zealand Embassies.

Currency

The local currency is Vanuatu Vatu.

Economy

The economy is based on agriculture, fishing, tourism, and off shore banking. Most of the agriculture is subsistence farming, and most exports are exposed to global price fluctuations – coconut oil, beef, timber, cocoa, and coffee. There are heavy transport costs in exports too. The islands were set up as an offshore tax haven in 1971 but has come under increasing pressure from the OECD. There were strikes in the 1990s and the government continues to be pressured by international bodies to improve income inequality. The economy has been growing since 2009. Time zone wise Vanuatu is UTC+11 hours.

Looking after your Health

There are no particular health worries when travelling to Vanuatu. There are only four embassies in Vanuatu which are the Australian, Chinese, French, and New Zealand embassies.

Activities

83 islands with an array of activities

Ambrym

Our ‘Remote Volcano Hiking’ Experience takes you to the island of Ambrym in the Malampa Province to visit Marum Volcano which rises 1,334 m above sea level. Ambrym has an area of 677.7 km² and population of 7,275 (2009).

Ambrym is first and foremost the “black” island due to its volcanic ash and because of its ‘black magic’.

Other well known attractions across Vanuatu

Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is claimed as the must do attraction and therefore attracted more visitors than Ambrym.

There is also the millennium Cave of Luganville, Mele Cascades at Port Vila, Champagne Beach, Hideaway Island, Blue Lagoon Swimming Hole, Ekasup Village, Summit Gardens, and also the various markets. There is even an underwater post office!

Culture

A Brief History

The history of Vanuatu dates back to around 500BC. For centuries the people of Vanuatu passed their histories down to the next generations orally meaning there is a rich mythical history. European explorers visited the island in the 17th and 18th centuries and the 19th century saw the indigenous population awash with atrocities at the hands of traders and missionaries who brought many diseases ashore. The British and the French were the main ones casing the chaos, and at the turn of the 20th century local people were providing cheap labour in conditions not much better than slavery. People were recruited to work there from China, Vietnam, Fiji, and Tonga which is where the diversity of Vanuatu’s people today comes from. The islands finally became independent in 1980.

Language

There are three official languages; English, French, and Bislama which is a Melanesian mix of French and English.

Cultural Values and Kastoms

Land Ownership

There is quite strict land ownership laws and so be careful not to stray off the trodden hiking paths. There is a lot of private property and it is also a tax haven.

Religion

The majority of the people of Vanuatu are Christians. They dress casually, and they live life to ‘island time’. Whilst some modern influences can be seen in some of the more built up areas, over most of the islands old traditions continue and so it is worth exploring.

Food

Fusion

The cuisine, like the people of Vanuatu is multicultural. Fused into their delicious dishes, you can find French, Mediterranean, Chinese, Italian, and Thai. You can find tapas, and seafood aplenty.

The fruit is also not to be missed. Lap Lap is one of the island’s specialities which is comprised of yam, banana, covered in coconut cream and then baked in an earth oven. Coconut crab is another local favourite, but it is not eaten as frequently due to many species becoming endangered.

French

Famed for the Beef

The real delicacy of Vanuatu is the beef, which is hailed as the best in the world by many.

As you travel around the islands you can see for yourself the extensive cattle ranches which are perfectly looked after with wonderful, healthy cattle roaming the lush, verdant tree-filled fields.

Getting Around

The local and greener options

Minibuses

Vanautu is easy to navigate, and fun! You can catch a bus which is usually in the form of a minibus. They don’t follow specific routes so be sure to know where you are going.

Taxis and personal drivers

You can hire a personal driver and bus for not too bad a price. There are taxis and be sure to haggle on price. There are daily flights between the islands of Vanuatu should you wish to partake in some island hopping – or there is also the Vanuatu ferry.

Getting There

The airport for Vanuatu is called on Port Vila and called Bauerfield International. International flights from London, New York, LA and Hong Kong

From London

From London you can fly to Vanuatu for around £900 – £1200 in June, or upwards of £1600 in August or upwards of £5000 in January with two stop offs (usually Sydney and Dubai) taking anywhere between 30 hours and 60 hours.

It is cheaper to book flights separately from London to Australia and then get the connecting flight to the remote island from there with flights from Sydney to Port Vila between £400 and £600 all year round.

Google flights provide good averages for journeys when doing your own research prior to booking.

From New York

From New York it is a similar picture in terms of flight times. The trip costs between £1500 and £1800 year round. From Los Angeles prices are between £800 and £1200 for a return and you can do this with only one stop off. Again if you can find a good deal on a flight to Sydney it may be cheaper to book the connecting flight separately.

From Hong Kong

When travelling from Hong Kong prices are around the £2000 mark all year round. The routes will mean one or two stops and a journey time of between 20 and 40 hours. It may also be cheaper to split the flight and book to Australia first then a second to Vanuatu.